 By Michael Edgar Myers Founding Director A colleague of ours with Artists in Christian Testimony Intl is a music ministry educator in Ukraine. As the Russian attacks were imminent, our colleague sent a post to A.C.T. Intl artists in 47 countries encouraging us to begin infusing oft-sung Ukrainian songs of worship in our local congregational assemblies. Three of the selections are original compositions by musical worship leaders in Ukraine, perhaps not known Stateside. YouTube links and link to the full story can be provided.
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 By Michael Edgar Myers Founding Director A few summers ago, my theatrical agent called with a wonderful performance opportunity. A holiday season show. Christmastime. Six-to-nine weeks depending on rehearsals.
Actors hear two words at such a possibility. Especially during the holidays. "Ka-ching!" Honestly, I was more excited about auditioning than getting the job. Auditions for me, for the professional stage, had been rare in recent years. Even though the role wasn't one I actually felt qualified for (if I was directing the show, would I have call ME to read?), being asked was exciting. I was new to the agency, trying to resurrect my career in a new season of life. Landing the job may earn me more opportunities and restore confidence. It was good to be wanted. It was better to be hired. That's how I became associated with a holiday show we lovingly called, "Broadway on a Train." 
As the stay-at-home orders extend around the U.S. as a result of COVID-19 quarantines, and Christ-following churches adapt how Services of Worship are conducted, among the adjustments to be made are rites commanded by Scripture, notably, baptism and The Lord's Supper.
While the procedures connected with the above may be familiar to you, in the online community, these days pastors will encounter many variables in the process: 
"I know the plans I have for you..." -- Jeremiah 29:11 by Michael Edgar Myers, Founding Director
We at Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries are proponents of balanced ministry teams for many reasons. By balanced ministry teams, we mean a modern version of Paul's "spiritual gifts" analysis: we all have many gifts, but the same spirit. In essence, we are working toward the same goal -- for Christ and through Christ -- who provides the gifts and the vision. Our humanness, however, can frequently affect all of the above -- our vision and the use of gifts of God. A balanced team, in contemporary terms, takes into account assorted ages, ethnicities and skills , which not only provide practical tools, but also inspiration and motivation. We have experienced this ourselves in the younger people who have served with us over the past five years as KIT has expanded our performance and teaching concepts. 
Despite her shy off-stage persona, to Marissa Brown, leading congregants through musical worship is a natural as breathing.
The phrase "born-again Christian" is redundant. One cannot be Christian unless born again, as Jesus explained and was quoted in the scripture of John. The "born again" in His reference is rebirth of a man's natural spirit to rebel against God. That is, to disobey God, to rely on self, to think of self first. These are the basic elements of life collectively tagged "sin" -- Jesus says this human spirit, the spirit of sin -- must be "reborn" to submit to God's will and guidance. This is done, first, by recognizing and acknowledging the life of Christ as revealed in Scriptures, then by living according to His teachings. In its simplest expression, this is what it means to be born again. To renew a spirit to follow God's lead. But what of those people who were born with such a spirit. The spirit to follow God and not sin that seems intrinsic from birth. Are there such people? Especially in our age? |
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